This was an excellent introduction into the world of sideshows, well before their modern, less shocking incarnations.

The book was published in 1976 so there is a metric boatload of problematic and disturbing language that the author uses as a matter of course. Some of it is out of touch, even for the 70s. Also, the author shares many anecdotes and historic events, but there are very few references and no full list of citations included. You’d have to do separate research to verify these stories so this book could be an interesting jumping off point for a super cool investigation project.

A thoughtful, considerate account of circus sideshow performers.

Fantastic subject handled in a rather mediocre fashion.

Absolutely great book to begin the voyage into the carny world, a great place to start and refer back to.